Becoming a Sir John Deane’s Student
Open Events Our popular open events are a valuable opportunity for prospective students to explore our outstanding facilities, meet teachers and current students and find out more about their academic choices. Early application is key to helping students secure a place at Sir John Deane’s.
Pre-Sixth Conference The Pre-Sixth events are attended by all new students and are a chance to experience life at Sir John Deane’s. The events provide a flying start to a student’s academic success at the college and supports decision making in terms of firm A level choices.
GCSE Results Day & Enrolment Once students have received their GCSE results in August, it will be time for them to confirm their chosen programme of study and formally enrol at Sir John Deane’s. We invest time in setting our students up for academic success and this begins at enrolment. We work with students and parents in order to build a programme of study which will allow students to grow in confidence, to dream big and to become all we believe they can be.
How to Apply The best way for students to secure their place at Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College is to apply early. Application is straightforward and can be done online. Please visit our website.
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“ Sir John Deane's
Kiran Dobson
Helsby High School STUDYING Economics, History, Photography
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students are curious, caring and responsible
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“ Teachers and
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progress mentors have helped me stay focussed throughout my first year. I have seen my skills develop and feel on track to achieve my best results.
“
Giulia Mariscoli Helsby High School
STUDYING Economics, Mathematics, 3D Design with Graphics FUTURE ASPIRATIONS To study Architecture at university ADVICE You will make some long-lasting friendships here at Sir John Deane’s, so don’t be afraid to talk to people and get to know them.
Sir John Deane's students are
Caring
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“ Sir John Deane’s
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has provided me with the perfect balance of independence and support from my teachers.
“
Elijah Essien
Sale Grammar School STUDYING Business, Economics, Physical Education FUTURE ASPIRATIONS To study International Business at the University of Leeds, including a year studying abroad. ADVICE Push yourself to meet new people from the outset, whether it’s students or members of staff. Building positive relationships massively enhances the college experience.
Sir John Deane's students are
Curious
“ I love the real sense of community
and the positive approach to learning that is embraced by students and teachers alike.
“
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Gabrielle Williams
Middlewich High School STUDYING Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics FUTURE ASPIRATIONS To study Biochemistry at Oxford University ADVICE Be your authentic self and you will find friends that you have more in common with than you thought possible.
Sir John Deane's students are
Responsible
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Even better here
Sian Aryee
Teacher of Law and Sociology "We celebrate and value our unique diversity and are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging. We are an anti-racist college, actively working to ensure that all students, regardless of their race and ethnicity can learn as equals."
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Contents Outstanding by Tradition
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Welcome Mission & Values A History of Excellence
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Teachers who love to teach
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Academic Excellence 22 Gifted & Talented 22 Oxbridge 22 Building Character 24 Competition & Ambition 27 Duke of Edinburgh's Award 28 Spirit & Enthusiasm 31 Contributing to a New World 32 Student Leadership 34 Identity & Place 36 Celebration & Pride 39
Nurturing Individuals
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Money and Transport Academic Choices
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How to Apply
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Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8AF T. 01606 810020 E. Admissions@sjd.ac.uk twitter
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Outstanding by Tradition
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Outstanding by Tradition
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stablished in 1557, Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College prides itself on a long tradition of academic excellence. We provide specialist A level provision in more than 30 subjects and are proudly ranked amongst the highest achieving sixth form colleges in the country.
The impressive riverside campus, situated in the heart of Cheshire, welcomes incredible students from across the region along with an outstanding calibre of teaching professionals. A purpose built campus sets the scene for a culture and ethos that puts the learning and success of every individual at the heart of everything we do. A high proportion of our students go on to higher education with around a third securing First Class Honours from the country’s top universities, leaving them well placed to advance in their chosen path.
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Welcome from the Principal Here at Sir John Deane’s we believe that every student should experience a passion for their subjects, a love of learning and an ambition to succeed. Studying here means that you will meet some of the most committed, brilliant teachers in the country and work alongside bright minds like your own in an environment that hums with energy and excitement. Being a Sir John Deane’s student means that you are curious, caring and responsible. Curious to learn and to explore, caring about your future and the contribution you will make to the world, and responsible for being the very best you can be. As our extraordinary results over many years show, the college has a transformational effect on the lives of our students. We will open your horizons and help you find your place in the world, whilst helping you achieve the success you strive for. We are committed to giving you a special college experience, and on behalf of all teachers and current students we very much look forward to welcoming you to our sixth form.
Christopher Atherton Principal
Mission & Values Our teachers and education professionals hold a shared mission of excellence, opportunity and compassion. We see the value in every student and help them to achieve their goals by creating an environment that understands and celebrates difference, whilst providing an incredible education and life opportunities for all students.
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A History of Excellence
A History of Excellence For as much as God's glory, his honour, and the wealth public, is advanced and maintained by no means more than by virtuous education and bringing up of Youth under such as be learned and virtuous Schoolmasters, whose good examples may as well instruct them to live well as their doctrine and learning may furnish their minds with knowledge and cunning, [I] have thought it good, not only to erect the said Free Grammar School, and to provide a reasonable and competent Stypend for the Schoolmaster of the same, and that in respect of the zeal that I have to God's glory, and for the love that I bear to my native country... Extract: Sir John Deane, Statutes, 1557 Sir John Deane’s has a long and proud history that dates back 460 years. A local clergyman, Sir John Deane rose through the church ranks and later became a rector at St Bartholomew the Great in London. Never forgetting his roots, and keen to provide the inhabitants of his native area with the means of self-improvement through education, he set up a charitable trust and gifted the land on which the first school was built in 1557. In 1907, the school, then a boys’ grammar, moved to its current riverside site thanks to the generosity of another local benefactor, Sir John Brunner. Brunner, alongside Ludwig Mond, developed the wealthiest British chemical company of the late nineteenth century, which became the biggest employer in the area for decades after.
Brunner’s kind donation, which marked the 350th anniversary of the school, laid the foundations for the next 100 years, and inspired a new generation of young learners. The environment has since advanced with a £28 million regeneration of the site, however, the College campus is still firmly rooted in its proud history and heritage, which is evident in our flourishing boat club, distinctive crest and historic buildings. A portrait of Sir John Brunner hangs in the Brunner Hall, looking over new generations of students and reminding us all of the importance our history plays in underpinning the success of our future and our core principles of ambition, excellence, resilience and loyalty.
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Sir John Brunner
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Teachers who love to teach
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Teachers
who love to teach
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e are committed to helping all students achieve the highest possible grades and making their two years at Sir John Deane’s among the most memorable of their lives. Our teachers love to teach and love to learn. Their creative, innovative and varied style of teaching inspires, motivates and challenges students. All our teachers are specialists in their academic areas and students benefit from their deep commitment to the subject as well as knowledge and experience beyond the syllabus. Passionate, engaging and driven, Sir John Deane’s teachers are a key factor in the success of students.
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Teachers who love to teach
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Academic Excellence
Academic Excellence
Susanna Kirsten
Sir John Deane’s has consistently topped league tables for outstanding results and is ranked amongst the highest achieving sixth form colleges in the country.
STUDYING Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics
Students are encouraged to progress to excellent universities, with many gaining places at prestigious Russell Group Universities, conservatoires and Oxford and Cambridge. For those looking to start their careers or professional programmes immediately after completing A levels, a bespoke programme of advice and support is available. Gifted & Talented Bright, highly engaged and ambitious students choose to advance their studies at Sir John Deane’s. We encourage, challenge and drive them to achieve excellence in all they do. Opportunities for extension work are built into all schemes of learning along with a range of clubs and societies to help them extend their knowledge and interest in specific subject areas.
Oxbridge We have a longstanding relationship with Oxford and Cambridge, both of whom welcome applications from our students. The Oxbridge process supports suitable applicants, offering thorough preparation and guidance at every stage. Students have been accepted to study a range of subjects including mathematics, medicine, veterinary science, biological science, chemistry, engineering, English literature, languages, history, philosophy and economics.
Academic Enrichment The college has an enviable track record of success in a number of high profile challenges, including the prestigious Royal Society of Chemists Young Analyst Competition, in which our students regularly rank in the top three.
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
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Building Character
Building Character We value the importance of balancing study and examination preparation with the wider development of our students. The college’s extensive programme of co-curricular activities provides endless opportunities for students to express themselves creatively, indulge in new passions and extend their skills and knowledge in a chosen subject area. Activities available to students include sport, music, theatre, a thriving Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme, volunteering and peer mentoring opportunities. We offer a rich programme of clubs and societies, including the popular Debate Society, conversational language courses, Women's Society, chess club, LGBTQ+ and many more. Regular guest speakers also contribute to a varied co-curricular programme, which aims to develop a life-long love of learning.
Helen Gilbody & Harry Asteraides Weaverham High School
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Cara Henshall
The Queens School, Chester
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Competition & Ambition
Sport contributes to the vibrant and energetic ambiance of Sir John Deane’s and promotes a positive culture of competition, teamwork, dedication and ambition. Students have the opportunity to represent the college in a number of team sports including rugby, football, rowing, hockey, netball and basketball with the support of experienced and dedicated coaches to help them fulfil their potential. Teams compete in the North West Colleges League and Association of Colleges League as well as regional and national tournaments. The riverside location has created a proud history of rowing success and our flourishing boat club has seen students progress to national level, while others join us as complete beginners. Sir John Deane’s is the only sixth form college in the country to have its own boat house, situated on the banks of the River Weaver.
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Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Challenge & Resilience We are committed to developing well-rounded individuals, who leave Sir John Deane’s confident in their own ability having faced and met new challenges. The college's thriving Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme enables students to develop their physical skills, knowledge, leadership and teamwork. Students demonstrate perseverance, resilience and determination to complete a range of challenges and expeditions and are supported every step of the way by our dedicated Duke of Edinburgh's Award co-ordinator. Each year more than hundred students are successful in gaining their Gold or Silver Awards.
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Spirit & Enthusiasm
A rich performing arts programme provides a wealth of opportunities for students to hone their talents and contribute to college life. Music is a deeply valued aspect of the college's culture and students may join a number of thriving ensembles including, jazz combos, the college choir, string quartets, a concert band and singing groups. Actors, dancers and musicians may immerse themselves in a wide range of performances both on stage and behind the scenes. The college has staged several large scale productions and more intimate evenings of theatre, music and dance. Recent productions include Return to the Forbidden Planet, Our Country’s Good, Guys and Dolls and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sir John Deane’s students have been awarded places at prestigious conservatoires of music, dance and drama, including the National Conservatoire of Wales, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Royal Northern College of Music, Birmingham Conservatoire, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and Ballet West.
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Educational trips
Contributing to a New World We want our students to discover life beyond the classroom and understand how their studies relate to the real world. Our enriched co-curricular programme, educational trips and guest speakers inspire students to develop a knowledge and passion for a number of global issues, including education for girls, global health and the environment. We actively encourage our students to take responsibility for themselves and others, stand up for what they believe in and play their part in shaping a brighter future for us all.
Bau-Bay, Indonesia
Akumal, Mexico
Calakmul, Mexico
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Tuscany, Italy
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Student Leadership
Student Leadership
Student leadership Sir John Deane’s continues a tradition of appointing a Head Boy and Head Girl whose role is to set an example to their peers and represent the college at key events. They work closely with the team of Senior Students to engage the wider student body in college activities. They ensure that student views are represented and ideas come to life through a number of campaigns and events. There are many opportunities for students to be Ambassadors and to play an important role in representing the college.
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Eva Lemmy
Helsby High School 2020/21 Saner Prize Winner
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Identity & Place
Identity & Place
Walking into Sir John Deane’s you are immediately uplifted by the sense of light and space. The £28 million transformation has created a worldclass learning environment that students can thrive in and feel proud to call their own. The historic Brunner Hall, built in 1907, is a reminder of the college’s history and tradition, while stateof-the-art facilities and modern, purpose built classrooms represents its continuous evolution. Students have access to places and resources that support every element of their study, including the Albright Library, a fully equipped IT drop-in centre and a number of study areas, including silent study zones. Amongst the impressive facilities there are scientific laboratories, rehearsal studios, a professional theatre, dance and recording studios, an outdoor art studio, large courtyard and Starbucks Cafe. Sporting facilities include a riverside boat house, newly renovated all-weather pitch, swimming pool, a purpose-built sports hall and large playing fields.
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David Olojugba
Bridgewater High School
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Celebration & Pride
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Celebration & Pride We have a culture of praise and recognition and regularly celebrate the achievements of individual students. The annual Awards Evenings perfectly capture and acknowledge the unique partnership between students, parents and teachers that underpins the success of students and makes Sir John Deane’s so special. We celebrate academic excellence, musical, theatrical and artistic beauty, impressive sporting prowess and the bold resilience of individuals. In a tradition going back more than a century, the Saner Prize is presented to the Student of the Year for all round academic excellence and contribution to college life.
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Nuturing Individuals
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Nurturing Individuals J
oining Sir John Deane’s is an exciting step from the familiar surroundings of school and the time spent here will direct students on their future path to success.
It is vital that every student feels well supported from the first day they arrive at the college, giving them the confidence and resources to fulfil their potential.
All students are assigned a Personal Tutor who will be their advisor and progress mentor. It is their role to build a positive relationship with the student and their parents, discuss career and Higher Education options and prepare them for life after Sir John Deane’s.
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Nuturing Individuals
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Programme of Study/ Money
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Programme of Study/ Money
Esme Robinson
Kings School Girls Division STUDYING English Language, English Literature, Art & Design
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Transport Sir John Deane’s attracts students from across Cheshire and beyond. The college currently operates bus services from Warrington, Halton, South Manchester, Congleton, Sandbach, Crewe and Nantwich as well as Helsby, Frodsham, Bunbury, Tarporley, Macclesfield, Knutsford and Kingsley, picking up at a number of stops along the way. These buses are accommodated within the college site. Public transport is available from many other areas too, full details of which can be found on the college website. Driving Where possible, we do encourage students to walk, cycle or use the bus. Those who wish to drive can apply for a permit to park their car on campus. There is no charge for this.
Money Financial assistance Students may be eligible for financial assistance with the cost of books, equipment, transport, college meals or educational visits from the 16-19 Bursary Fund. Full details of this are available on our website, or alternatively you can contact a member of the finance team. Foundation Governors' Fund Students completing a year of voluntary service between sixth form and University or competing at national or international level sport may apply to the Principal and Foundation Governors for a grant to support them in their endeavour. Contribution During enrolment, students are asked to make a small contribution to the college fund. This is a voluntary contribution covering the two years that you invest at Sir John Deane’s. It is used to help support enrichment activities and other opportunities, which enhance an individual’s experience.
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Programme of Study
Academic Choices
Sir John Deane’s offers a traditional and academic curriculum, which is designed to challenge and stimulate students. Full details of every course can be found online where students are encouraged to craft their own bespoke programme of study. Programme of study Art & Design
BTEC Applied Science
BTEC Business
Photography
Computer Science
English Language
Textiles
BTEC ICT
English Literature
3D Design with Graphics
Mathematics
French
Music
Further Mathematics
German
Music Technology
Statistics
Spanish
BTEC Performing Arts
History
Sociology
Theatre & Drama
Government & Politics
Psychology
Biology
Geography
Media Studies
Chemistry
Economics
Physical Education
Physics
Law
BTEC Sport
Electronics
Business
BTEC Health & Social Care
Students should complete their application online at www.sjd.ac.uk/apply
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BECOMING A SIR JOHN DEANE'S STUDENT Step 1 Applying early is the best way to secure a place at Sir John Deane’s.
Step 2 Attendance at the Pre-Sixth Event demonstrates loyalty and a firm commitment to becoming a Sir John Deane’s student.
Step 3 Working hard and achieving high grades at GCSE will prepare students for their next challenge and life at sixth form college.
Apply online Application is straightforward and can be done online. Please visit our website:
sjd.ac.uk/apply
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